Editha Salazar’s story is one of quiet strength, sacrifice, and a mother’s unwavering determination to build a better future for her family.
A dedicated caregiver and mother from Brgy. Sto. Niño, Bamban, Tarlac, Editha is among the partner-beneficiaries who received a sari-sari store livelihood package under the Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) component of the Roots to Shoots (RTS) Program in Sacobia on October 20, 2025.
With an in-kind livelihood assistance package worth PHP 5,000, Editha began a small sari-sari store that would eventually become a growing source of hope and stability for her family. Through discipline, perseverance, and hard work, she steadily expanded the business. Today, just seven months since it began operating, her store has grown to an estimated inventory value of around PHP 20,000.
“Ma’am, pangarap ko po talaga na magkaroon ng sariling tindahan,” Editha shared, reflecting on a dream that became possible through the support of the program and its partners.
Life has never been easy for Editha and her family. Before receiving the livelihood assistance, her husband’s income could barely cover their child’s milk and basic household necessities. Saving money was nearly impossible, and even providing small daily allowances for their children often became a struggle.
Despite the physical exhaustion she experiences every day, Editha continues to persevere for the sake of her children. She shared that even when her body feels extremely tired, she keeps moving forward because her family depends on her strength and determination.
As the sari-sari store gradually became sustainable, their situation slowly improved. By combining the store’s earnings with her husband’s salary, the family was able to better provide for their daily needs while beginning to save for the future.
One of Editha’s proudest milestones came when she was able to save PHP 15,000 to fund her child’s first CT scan, an achievement made possible through months of hard work and sacrifice. Today, she continues building on that progress and has already saved PHP 6,000 for her child’s ongoing therapy.
Her child, who recently turned five years old, is now receiving the care and therapy needed, and the family continues to hold on to hope for recovery. For Editha, every small step forward represents a chance for her child to one day walk properly and live a healthier, brighter future.
The livelihood assistance has also allowed her to provide daily school allowances for her children, something she could not consistently afford before. From struggling to make ends meet, Editha now has a growing livelihood that continues to restore hope and dignity to their family.
With deep gratitude, Editha expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Roots to Shoots Program and its partners, including Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), Manila Water, and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., for providing opportunities that help families like hers rebuild their lives.
Editha’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, opportunity, and the right support, families can rise above hardship and create lasting change for future generations.
